Research
From research to practical solutions
AliceAI Learning is developed alongside Finnish doctoral research. Research findings are used to develop the pedagogy, the learning content and the features of the service.
Doctoral research on the professional language proficiency of international nurses
Professional language proficiency at work
The doctoral research examines how the professional language proficiency of international nurses develops in Finnish healthcare.
The research focuses on the importance of the workplace community and a sense of belonging for language learning, as well as the role of digital support in workplace learning.
The aim is to produce knowledge about the kind of support that can help a nurse use Finnish more confidently in their own work.
Pedagogical approach
Language is learned by participating
Our pedagogical approach is based on an ecological view of language learning. According to this view, language skills develop through interaction with others and participation in everyday workplace activities.
You do not need a perfect command of professional language before entering working life. Language skills develop gradually through work and interaction. Digital support lets you practice safely in advance, without social pressure.
Belonging
A sense of belonging in the workplace supports learning. When professionals can take part in conversations and workplace activities, they have more opportunities to use and develop their language skills.
Agency
Language learning is strengthened when professionals feel confident enough to ask questions, speak and share their expertise, even while their language skills are still developing.
Participation
A language is learned by using it in real situations. Participation is not only the outcome of learning but also one of the central ways professional language proficiency develops.
Research. Practice. Evaluation.
From research to practice and evaluation
Research
We study how professional language proficiency develops and what digital support can offer.
Practice
We use what we learn from research and pilots to develop the practice, the learning content and the solution itself.
Evaluation
Evaluation of the learning outcomes and the benefit to the organization.
The researcher behind AliceAI Learning
Anne-Mari Pitkänen
AliceAI Learning's pedagogy is led by Anne-Mari Pitkänen, a doctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, who studies how the professional language proficiency of international nurses is built through participation in work in Finnish healthcare.
In developing the AliceAI Learning solution she draws on what her doctoral research and earlier evidence reveal about language learning at work, about participation, and about what digital support can offer.
Interested in research and development collaboration?
We are looking to partner with healthcare organizations that want to strengthen international nurses' professional language skills, sense of belonging in the workplace and participation in everyday workplace activities.
Collaboration can mean, for example, pilots in work units, developing everyday ways of working, or taking part in impact research.